Academic Programs and Advising
How can I learn more about Northwestern’s academic program(s)?
More information about Northwestern's academics can be found on the individual college pages below:
When do I find out if I was admitted to one of Northwestern’s selective programs?
Individual program websites have additional details and contact information.
Can I transfer between the six schools and/or add on a double major?
If you wish to transfer schools or add on a major (or minor) once you arrive at Northwestern, this is also possible. Students are free to meet with individual departments on campus to discuss the majoring, minoring and transfer processes with an adviser. Students successfully transfer between all six colleges at Northwestern each year. (Note: most students adding a second major or minor will choose one from the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences; see a full list of WCAS majors and minors.)
Will I have an academic adviser? What advising resources are available?
First-year students in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences will have an adviser based on their selected first-year seminars (a required Fall quarter course), and will receive a college adviser in the Winter quarter. Read about the WCAS advising process.
All other students will immediately receive a college adviser through the school in which they have enrolled.
Students will also be assigned a peer (student) adviser who will assist them over the summer and during Wildcat Welcome orientation week.
In addition, supplemental advisers are provided to students as majors, minors and other academic programs are declared (pre-health, pre-law, study abroad, etc.).
When can I register for classes?
Enrolling students begin the process of registering for classes just prior to the fall orientation (Wildcat Welcome). School advisers and peer advisers will be available to provide guidance and assist with registration.
How large are introductory classes?
Across Northwestern, almost 80% of classes have fewer than 20 students, and fewer than 2% of classes have more than 100 students. Many new students will opt to take a handful of introductory classes their first year; larger classes meet in small discussion sections or labs at least once a week to provide a smaller-group study setting. Typically, these introductory classes are prerequisites for smaller and more specific upper-level coursework.
First-year students in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences are required to enroll in two First-Year Courses, classes that enroll between 12-17 students, on average.